COMMENT: Balancing the books will be driving philosophy after Ryan’s Rovers departure

By Liam Hoden

The ongoing Sequentia Capital takeover saga has unleashed the first foundation-shaking shockwave at Doncaster Rovers visible outside the boardroom door.

Last week it was revealed that John Ryan was incredibly close to calling time on his storied stint as Rovers chairman.

Though he was understood not to have backed away much from the most difficult of decisions, few would have expected he would have delivered his resignation in such an explosive manner and with eyebrow-raising timing.

The decision itself was not particularly a surprising one.

Throughout this saga, we have known that Ryan was nailing his colours firmly to the Sequentia mast while his fellow major shareholders were more than a little reluctant.

Thankfully, throughout the saga, despite the degree of boardroom disagreement, there has been little effect on the playing side of things at the club.

There seems little doubt Paul Dickov clutched a Plan A and Plan B for much of the summer, based entirely on the amount of money he would have access to.

The will-it, won’t-it saga ensured Dickov’s course of action in the transfer market was only truly decided upon late in pre-season.

Nevertheless, he forged together a squad capable of holding its own in the division and got on with the business of getting the best out of the small group.

Sticking to the status quo merely ensured Dickov would operate under the same tight financial constraints his two predecessors had since Rovers toppled out of the Championship.

The step-away from Ryan means it is highly unlikely the purse strings will loosen any time soon.

Ryan may not the the richest of the major shareholding triumvirate but when it comes to football matters at Rovers he has consistently been the most keen to spend.

He has also been able to persuade his fellow owners to open their wallets.

Ryan’s days of daring to dream had not come to an end.

He still could envisage Rovers competing in the top half of the Championship, perhaps even beyond, which explains why he was so eager for a Sequentia cash influx.

For his fellow major shareholders, running a profit-making, sustainable business is the dream and something they have cut the proverbial cloth to achieve.

Now Ryan has departed, the aim of balancing the books will likely override the chase for on-field success.

Which philosophy is best for the club will undoubtedly come up for fierce debate.

We want to know your thoughts on Rovers’ future, Ryan’s decision and his tenure at the head of the club.

Get in touch via email on sport@doncastertoday.co.uk, write to Sportsdesk, Doncaster Free Press, Sunny Bar, Doncaster, DN11NB or on Twitter using @liamhodenDFP, @paulgoodwinDFP or @hayleyP_11.